Granite Shoals approves new drought contingency plan; violators could face heavy fines

GRANITE SHOALS — A new drought contingency plan carries mandatory restrictions and even fines of up to $1,000 for violations as the city girds for future water shortages.

The City Council approved the new set of guidelines Oct. 25 as Texas endures one of its worst droughts on record. Forecasters say lakes Buchanan and Travis, which supply the area’s drinking water, could drop to record lows by spring if there is no significant rainfall.

"We’ve hashed this (drought contingency plan) since July," Mayor Dennis Maier said. "It isn’t punitive, but hopefully encourages people to conserve."

The plan outlines measures the city and residents will take during water-shortage trigger points. There are four stages — mild, moderate, severe and critical.

Under a mild water shortage, or Stage 1, voluntary limited landscape irrigation is allowed on certain days at specified hours.